The trial of former Minister of National Defense Akis Tsohatzopoulos was interrupted at about 9.30 and was later postponed until Thursday morning. The trial focuses on a number of bribes in relation to defense programs, during Mr. Tsohatzopoulos’ tenure as Minister.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos’ defense team claimed that since the particular trial refers to the legalization of revenue derived from illegal activities, the government should have no representation in the legal proceedings. The court denied the request, on the grounds that the State was damaged by each of the individual defendants. It is reminded that the State is claiming one million euros in damages from each of the defendants.
The legal team then requested that all members of the Government Council of National Defense (KYSEA) testify in the case. Regarding the main criminal offense of bribery, the legal team claimed that since the limitation of liability has lapsed, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos cannot be prosecuted for money laundering.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos’ legal team is launching a series of appeals, as part of a strategy of debunking many of the principle charges and testimonies. According to the case file, each of the defendants appears to have had a specific role in the money laundering operation, which characterized by lavish houses and off-shore bank accounts.
The court is expected to be in session twice a week, so that the trial can be complete within the 18-month maximum detainment period that applies to defendants.
